According to a story from irishmirror.ie, Danny O’Donoghue, the vocalist and keyboard player for the Irish rock band The Script, recently talked publicly about his struggle with Wilson’s disease, a rare disease that he was born with. At 39 years old, Danny must take medication every day to control the disease or risk potentially fatal consequences. He says that the disease has forced him to confront his mortality and live every day as if it were his last.
About Wilson’s Disease
Wilson’s disease is a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to process and excrete copper normally. Therefore, this metal accumulates in the body and causes a range of symptoms. It can ultimately be lethal without intervention. This disorder is caused by a genetic mutation affecting the ATP7B gene. Symptoms include nosebleeds, vomiting, weakness, tremors, fluid in the abdomen, muscle stiffness, limb swelling, difficulty talking, jaundice, anxiety, hallucinations, itching, and personality changes. It can lead to more serious complications such as liver failure or liver cancer, as well as kidney issues. Wilson’s disease is usually treated with dietary changes such as a low copper diet and avoiding copper cooking materials, as well as certain medications. Most medications can have serious side effects, however. A liver transplant can be curative but it is usually only done with patients who experience liver complications or who otherwise fail to respond to other approaches. To learn more about Wilson’s disease, click here.
Danny’s Story
The knowledge that he depends on daily medication in order to survive has allowed Danny to view life as a precious miracle and to avoid getting caught up in “the here and now.” The disease is estimated to affect around 1 in every 40,000 people. Danny compared the disease to multiple sclerosis and is thankful that it was detected early on in his life so that he could get proper treatment quickly. Many rare disease patients are not so fortunate.
About The Script
The Script was first formed in 2007. The band has remained popular, particularly in Ireland, and its music has also been featured on several television shows including The Hills, Ghost Whisperer, and The Vampire Diaries.
